Q&A: Falcons CB Tye Hill hopes to contribute more

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- After a slow indoctrination into the Falcons' defensive scheme, Tye Hill made his first start at left cornerback Monday night against the Saints.

The team traded for Hill, a first-round pick of the Rams in 2006, a few days before the start of the season. He hopes to be a major contributor over the rest of the season.

In a conversation with the AJC, Hill discusses the trade, getting back on the field and adjusting to playing in Atlanta.

Q: How does it feel being a starter again after what you've been through in St. Louis and coming here and having to learn the system?

A: For one, it's just good to be healthy. God bless, I'm healthy. That's the big thing and just, as far as being a starter, I mean we don't know who's starting until Sunday. I can't really label myself a starter yet, but I'm preparing as a starter because that's all I know since I've been in the league. That's the mind-set that I've got.

Q: How did it go for you against the Saints on Monday night before you had to leave with leg cramps?

A: I felt like I did some good things. I felt like I did some things I can improve on. I felt like I did some bad things. It was just the ebb and flow of the game. As a competitor, you always feel that you can do some things better. That's just me being me. Maybe I graded myself too high. Maybe I'm on myself too hard.

Q: You showed you are willing to come up and hit. Is that an underrated part of your game?

A: Coming out, that's why I was a first-round [pick]. I don't know why some people thought I wasn't a hitter. I've always been a hitter. That's one part of my game that maybe people don't look at. They just look at a fast guy, little guy who just runs and covers. I can get a little physical with it.

Q: How has the adjustment to Atlanta been? Moving and being closer to home, how is that working for you?

A: I'm still adjusting. I'm still moving. But it's been easier versus going anywhere else because I'm closer to home. I have a lot of family and friends around. They've been helpful to my wife. It could have been worse. It's been kind of easy.

Q: How far away is your hometown of St. George, S.C.?

A: It's about three and half hours away. It's just far enough where they have to call. They can't just show up.

Q: How tough was it losing Jamaal Fudge, your college teammate at Clemson who was placed on injured reserve this week?

A: It's tougher on him. I know he wants to play. He came back and was expecting to help the team, and then he gets hurts. It's tough for us as a team because he's a good player. He's been a good player since I've known him. But it's real tough for him and his family.

Q: Who's been helping you to blend in with your new team?

A: The guys have accepted me in. It wasn't hard at all. We have a good group of guys here. That's a good thing. It's been easy. They have welcomed me with open arms. I'm very appreciative of the guys who have helped me in this locker room.